Paid Notice: Deaths
EDWARDS, CHARLES CORNELL

Published: August 19, 2011

EDWARDS--Charles Cornell, M.D. Died at home in La Jolla, California, August 7, 2011, after a long illness. Born in Overton, Nebraska September 16, 1923, he grew up during dust storms, locust infestations, and the Great Depression. He began studies at Princeton in 1941, but after Pearl Harbor enrolled in the Navy's V-12 program, and transferred to the University of Colorado, where he earned his BA and MD. He completed an MS in surgery (University of Minnesota) and surgical fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. From 1950-1952, he served with the Marines on the front lines of the Korean War, after which he spent five years in private practice in Des Moines. In 1969 President Nixon appointed him Commissioner/U.S. Food & Drug Administration; and in 1971, he became Assistant Secretary for Health (Department of Health, Education, & Welfare). In 1975, he resigned citing Ford administration cuts to health care that adversely affected the poor and unemployed. He became president/CEO, Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation, La Jolla, in 1977 and oversaw a dramatic expansion into one of the largest employers in San Diego and a leading health care provider in California. He retired in 1993. A generous benefactor and strong proponent of philanthropy and community service, Dr. Edwards is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue Kruidenier Edwards; children Timothy K. Edwards (Pat), Charles C. Edwards, Jr. (Karin), Nancy Edwards Schned (Eric), and David B. Edwards (Marketa); eight grandchildren; & cousin Cornell Arendt. In lieu of flowers, contributions to San Diego Hospice (www.sdhospice.org) or Voices for Children San Diego (www.speakupnow.org).